The focus on the Piastri case by Ricciardo and Webber

Oscar Piastri will be McLaren’s new driver next year. A contract that leads to the termination of Daniel Ricciardo’s contract, as he will not be able to complete the final year of his contract with the Woking team.

Throughout the Piastri case, the former Red Bull driver had no contact with the driver or even with Mark Webber, the manager and member of the Alpine Academy. The latter took advantage of the Dutch Grand Prix and his activity within Channel 4 to get closer to Daniel Ricciardo and talk to him.

The former driver apologized and explained to the Australian that he felt guilty about the consequences of Oscar Piastri’s contract.

« We hadn’t seen each other in person. I think he didn’t need to, but he felt that he wanted, in a certain way, to apologize and try to see how I’m doing. Obviously, I know what this sport is about: it’s nothing personal for me. And he wanted to make sure that I knew and understood that. And just to make sure that I felt good.

»

Piastri and Ricciardo met each other.

The McLaren driver also indicated that he had spoken privately with his replacement. He wanted to ensure that there were no tensions between the two and reassure the young driver who will be able to make his debut calmly.

« I also spoke to Oscar, to be honest, and I just made sure there were no hard feelings. I understand how it works. »

« He’s trying to do it, he’s trying to get into Formula 1. And this moment should also be very important for him. I don’t want it to be a bad situation for him.
»

I think he was feeling better. And yes, I think the last thing he wanted was to have some weird tension between some of the only Australians in this sport. So, I’m glad we did that.

All that’s left is to find a new team for Daniel Ricciardo who hopes to be on the starting grid for the 2023 championship.